What's in the air, and how to protect yourself
General information based on published medical research. This is not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, talk to your doctor.
In an emergency, call 911.
For exposure questions, call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7, confidential, interpreters available).
Why this smoke is different
This was not ordinary smoke. When a building's foam insulation, plastics, and equipment burn, the smoke can carry hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide (dangerous together), hydrogen fluoride from batteries, plus ammonia, fine particles, and heavy ash. The air-quality index (AQI) only measures particle mass. It does not capture most of these gases or the ash. So "the AQI looks okay" is not the whole story, and ash on your home matters.
What the research shows
Smoke from fires like this is reliably linked to asthma attacks, breathing and heart problems, and hospital visits, and some studies find this kind of smoke is more harmful than everyday air pollution. The effects aren't only on the bad-air days: they can last weeks to months, and ammonia in particular can leave lasting asthma-like problems.
This does not mean any one person's illness was caused by this fire. No one can prove that, and we won't claim it. It means the risk is real enough that getting checked and keeping records is reasonable and science-backed.
Who's most at risk
- Children (smaller airways, developing lungs)
- Pregnant people (effects on the pregnancy and the baby)
- Older adults
- Anyone with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions
If someone in your home is in one of these groups, be extra attentive and lower their exposure where you can.
Symptoms to watch
- Cough, sore throat
- Headache
- Eye, nose, or skin irritation
- Nausea, dizziness
- Trouble breathing / shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Confusion, fainting
- Asthma not helped by your inhaler
What to do
- Write down symptoms: date, what it was, who had it. Start today, even if mild.
- Photograph any ash on your home, car, or garden; don't dry-sweep it.
- See your doctor if you have symptoms or are higher-risk; ask whether your breathing should be checked now to set a baseline.
- Keep receipts: masks, air purifiers, medical visits, time away from home.
Why a record matters even if you feel fine: effects can last and even appear later. A baseline helps your doctor catch problems early and documents your experience if there's later review or a claim.